CBS Wins Major League Baseball Rights in 1988

Name: CBS Wins Major League Baseball Rights in 1988
Start: 1988-12-14
Location: Unspecified

CBS Secures Major League Baseball Broadcasting Rights

The 1988 CBS Bid

In a landmark decision that transformed sports broadcasting, CBS submitted a staggering $1.1 billion bid for the exclusive rights to broadcast Major League Baseball games from 1990 to 1994. This deal, which was announced in 1988, marked a significant investment in sports media and showcased CBS's commitment to enhancing its sports programming.

The Impact on Sports Broadcasting

This monumental agreement not only changed the landscape of sports broadcasting but also set a precedent for future deals in the industry. CBS's successful bid emphasized the growing value of televised sports, as networks recognized the potential ratings and revenue generated by live sporting events.

What the Deal Included

Exclusive Broadcasting Rights

The deal gave CBS exclusive rights to air Major League Baseball games, including the World Series and All-Star games, over the contract period. This exclusivity meant that CBS would be the sole broadcaster for a significant number of games, reaching millions of viewers across the nation.

Revolutionizing Baseball Viewership

With this deal, CBS aimed to not only increase viewership of baseball games but also to incorporate new production techniques to enhance the viewer experience. The network committed to investing in high-quality production, aiming to bring baseball into households with cutting-edge technology, like improved graphics and enhanced commentary.

Fun Fact

The Legacy of CBS's Bid

The $1.1 billion bid was one of the first massive investments in sports broadcasting, paving the way for future lucrative deals in various professional sports. It highlighted how networks would compete to attract exclusive content, leading to increasing financial stakes in sports media.